With the vivid blue of the sky and the lovely teal of the oceans, aquamarine is available in a spectrum of hues of light blue.

 

The name aquamarine has been derived from the Latin word - ‘aqua’ meaning sea and ‘mare’ meaning water. According to a saga of the ancient times, aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of mermaids. This vibrant gemstone has always been associated to the sea and also known as the lucky stone of the sailors. In olden Grecian times, sailors wore aquamarine as amulets to please the sea God.

 

Aquamarine is believed to bless a couple with happy marriage and helps to embellish mutual love. Aquamarine is also deemed to bring joy and wealth to the wearer. In ancient times, aquamarine was considered as the stone that ushers good feelings and optimism in life.

 

In ancient times, people used aquamarine dipped water to cure eye related problems. Emperor Nero is said to have used an aquamarine crystal as an eyeglass some 2000 years ago. Later Germans used aquamarine crystals as lenses to correct myopia. As a matter of fact,  the German name for eyeglasses today is "brille", derived from the mineral beryl which is the name of the mineral family of aquamarine as well as its sister stone, the emerald.

 

Aquamarine is the birthstone for those born in the month of March as well as the stone for zodiac signs Scorpio and Pisces. Aquamarine jewelry is also a popular gift for 16^th and 19^th wedding anniversaries.

 

Where is aquamarine found?

 

The traditional source of aquamarines was Madagascar. The gemstones from Madagascar were celebrated for their medium dark blue in color. But since the production from these mines

has waned, Brazil has become the most abundant supplier of aquamarine. The most popular type of aquamarine from Brazil is the ‘Santa Maria’. These particular gemstones have the rare, intensely saturated blue color, which is the most prized shade in an aquamarine. Similar nuances, ‘Santa Maria Africana’ aquamarines, are produced in Mozambique, Africa. 

 

Other sources of aquamarine are the African countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, the island of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. 

 

Know your aquamarine

 

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl mineral family (Be₃Al₂ (Si₆O₁₈)) with a hardness of 7.5-8 on Mohs scale. It is a gemstone with perfect balance of hardness and toughness levels making it perfect for daily wear.

 

Aquamarine is blessed with excellent clarity.

 

Aquamarine Care

 

Aquamarine stones need to be cleaned often to keep their brilliant sparkle. A thorough, soft brush scrubbing with a commercial jewelry cleaner or liquid detergent and water is sufficient to care for your gemstone if done at intervals such as every third or fourth time you wear it.

 

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